How important a role does the family play in the drug or alcohol addiction treatment?
The family’s role is of paramount importance. Years of drug and alcohol abuse greatly affect the honesty, trust and level of communication that exists within the family unit. As such, a quality treatment center will offer a “family program” rather than just treat the addict or alcoholic. A family program is usually several days in duration and explores the strengths and weaknesses that exist within the family unit. Spending this time together, under the supervision of a therapist trained in family dynamics, produces a healing experience unmatched by family therapy sessions. One of the reasons this healing experience is so dynamic in a family program is that other recovering families participate in the process. The sharing of feelings and experiences between families goes a long way towards promoting intimacy, hope and healing.
